The Message for the FREEDOM of PRESS by the World Newspaper Congress

The 65th World Newspaper Congress, along with the 20th global meeting for Editor and the 23rd meeting of Advertising Industry, opened on Monday (3/6) 2013, by the Deputi Prime Minister of Thailand – Kittirat Na Ranong, with the President of the World’s Newspaper Association (WAN-IFRA) Jacob Mathew, at Centara Grand, Central World, Bangkok Thailand. The Congress will be held until Wednesday (5/6), attended by 1200 participants from 66 countries all over the world.

On his speech while the opening of Congress, Mathew gave compliments for on going process of the media liberation in Myanmar. A Country in ASEAN region that until last year still be known as the “Covered” and never really run the freedom of press. He also said about how important to enlarge the ongoing press freedom in Thailand.

On the other part of his speech, and this one is quite surprising, Mathew gave critics for the the use of Chapter 112 Penal Code in Thailand, especialy with a clause "lèse-majesté". This law is intended to prevent violations of the king and royal family, but can also have inpact to the freedom of press. Because it will makes the journalist get in jail for preaching bad stories for the Kingdom.

“We understand the historic of “lèse-majesté”, but WAN-IFRA is very concerned about the misappropriation that led to some arrest  cases and imprisonment of the editor, publishers and journalists”, he said. “This arrest shouldn’t be happen, and against the principle of press freedom, also a violation for the citizens right. This will thwart the development of strong, passionate and independent media”, Mathew said.

Indonesia is the third largest sender congress delegates with 114 participants. Above Indonesia is Thailand with 159 delegates, and India with 386 delegates. Inevitably, the congress was thick with the atmosphere of "Asia", as the three countries that have been represented more than half of the participants. "This is the greatest world newspaper congress ever happened in the history of WAN-IFRA," claims Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Chairman of WAN-IFRA Asia Pacific, in his opening speech.

By the end of his speech, WAN-IFRA gave the Freedom of Press Gold Pen 2013 for Dr Than Htut Aung, Chairaman and the CEO of Eleven Media Group Myanmar, known for its defiance against the military regime censorship policy, and for his dedication to democratic freedoms in the country. Awards were presented by the President of the World Editors Forum Erick Bjerager.

“I never expected for receiving this award. I always resist abuse and defend my journalism, my ethics. No matter what the military regime, I never let them touch the principles (freedom of press), "said Than when conveying the impression of the awards he received. You can see more complete report on the world newspaper congress on June 14th  by SPS’ Tabloid - PERSKITA. You can also download and read PERSKITA well as free e-paper version in Scoop. (asmono wikan, reported from Bangkok – Thailand) *eta